AI connections: use Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor or Sidekick with your functions

Updated November 2, 2026 · SMART Functions Creator (E-TRADE PARTNER)

In SMART Functions Creator, Settings > AI connections gives you an MCP server URL and a connection key. Add them as a custom connector in Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor or another app that supports MCP, choose read only or read and edit, and the assistant can explain, create and edit your rule-builder functions. New functions start inactive. Shopify Sidekick can also list and explain your functions in Shopify admin.

Connect an AI assistant

1. In the app, open Settings > AI connections. You can also choose Create new function, a type, then Build with AI.
2. Copy the MCP server URL and add it as a custom connector in your AI app.
3. When the AI app asks you to sign in, paste the connection key and choose read only or read and edit.
4. Ask the assistant about your functions, or describe the function you want.

What a connected assistant can do

• New functions start inactive. Nothing new runs at checkout until it is turned on.
• Edits to an active function apply at checkout right away. Most AI apps ask before each change unless you allow it.
• Every save is kept in version history, so you can restore an earlier version from the app.
• It can't delete functions.
• Discount dates are set in the app. The assistant doesn't schedule a discount's Active dates.
• Your plan applies. On Lite, turning on a third active function is refused, the same as in the app.
• A connection lasts 90 days. After that the AI app asks you to connect again.

What to ask

• "Which of my functions hide a payment method, and when?"
• "Create a validation that blocks checkout for wholesale-tagged customers below 12 units of the Wholesale collection."
• "Explain why this BOGO discount would not apply to a cart with two items."
• "Compare the last two versions of my shipping rule."

The assistant builds with the same conditions, Line groups and actions as the rule builder, so it cannot add a condition the app does not have. AI apps make mistakes: open the function in the app, read it, and test at checkout before you turn it on.

Your data

The AI app receives the store data it reads, including any customer emails or phone numbers used in your rules, and handles it under that app's terms and privacy settings. SMART Functions never uses your data to train AI. See the privacy policy.

Shopify Sidekick

• Ask Sidekick in Shopify admin which functions you made with the app, whether they are active, and what each one does and when it applies. It reads; it does not change functions.
• Ask Sidekick for a discount the native discount types can't express, such as volume tiers or a fixed price bundle, and it can open the app's rule builder for you. It can also open an existing SMART Functions discount for editing.
• You review and save every change in the builder. Nothing is saved until you do.

Limits

• Script (code) functions can be read but not edited or turned on or off by an AI connection. Edit them in the script editor.
• Saves over Shopify's 10KB function settings limit, or over the editor's Function size bar, are refused.
• There is no built-in AI in the app. AI connections use the assistant you choose, under your own account with that AI app.

Frequently asked questions